29 Arrested in Crackdown on Melbourne's Illegal Casinos and Drug Trafficking

Police have arrested 29 people in connection with two illegal casinos operating in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, as part of a broader investigation into alleged drug manufacturing and trafficking.

Detectives executed search warrants in Carnegie, Box Hill, Balwyn North, and South Melbourne, seizing a range of items including weapons, $600,000 in cash, and large quantities of illicit drugs.

Initial Arrests and Charges

In July, police arrested nine people allegedly linked to a crime syndicate at a property in Bundoora, Melbourne's north. Those arrested included two Malaysian nationals, a Chinese national, and a woman from Thailand.

A 38-year-old Malaysian national was charged with possessing substances, equipment or material for trafficking, and handling stolen goods. A 29-year-old Malaysian national was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possessing an imitation firearm, negligently dealing proceeds of crime, and using false documents.

A 27-year-old man from China was charged with possessing methylamphetamine, possessing prohibited weapons, and trafficking tobacco and vapes. A 25-year-old woman from Thailand was charged with possessing methylamphetamine and being in possession of a stolen police uniform.

All four remain in custody, while the other five people arrested at the property are expected to be charged on summons with a range of drug offences.

Illegal Casinos Uncovered

In August, detectives uncovered a suspected illegal casino operating in Carnegie, where 15 people, including two working at the venue, were playing illegal casino games. All 15 people were interviewed and released, with police expecting to charge them on summons with knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and being in a place providing unauthorised gambling.

On October 15, police executed a search warrant at a property in South Melbourne, arresting a 40-year-old woman and charging her with numerous offences, including trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, possessing cocaine, and possessing a prohibited weapon.

Second Casino and Arrests

Five days later, police searched a property in Box Hill, discovering a second illegal casino. Two people allegedly operating the casino were arrested at the scene, including a 43-year-old Chinese national charged with dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime and being in a place provided for unauthorised gambling.

Police also expect to charge a 49-year-old man from Balwyn North on summons with similar charges. A 59-year-old Box Hill woman, allegedly a staff member, was arrested at the property.

Officers searching a property in Balwyn North uncovered more cash and casino chips, as well as four firearms, other weapons, and a large quantity of tobacco and drug manufacturing equipment. A 45-year-old Balwyn North woman was arrested and is expected to be charged on summons with dealing property believed to be proceeds of crime and firearms offences.

Police Statement

Detective Inspector Carlie Kohler from Victoria Police's clandestine laboratory squad said, "Uncovering these casinos and putting an end to the illegal activities taking place inside them helps get drugs and weapons off the streets."

She added, "These arrests are a crucial part of our commitment to dismantle organised crime on every level. We need anyone with information on illicit drugs being imported, manufactured or trafficked to come forward."